Toronto’s streetcars are set to face challenges due to upcoming intersection closures this fall, amidst existing issues with punctuality and potential service disruptions caused by financial constraints. The TTC and City of Toronto have announced the closure of Broadview Avenue and Queen Street E., as well as Dufferin Street and King Street W. The west-end closure is scheduled for Sept. 29, with the east-end shutdown following in October. These closures are necessary for critical maintenance work on aging track infrastructure but will likely inconvenience riders of the 504 King line on both ends of the city.
TTC spokesperson Stuart Green emphasized the importance of maintaining and upgrading the system to prevent failures. The ongoing track replacement work further complicates a service where only 57% of streetcars arrive on time, highlighting the financial challenges facing the system.
Executive director of TTCRiders, Andrew Pulsifer, stressed the need for increased investment in the streetcar system to ensure reliability. Reports indicate that the TTC requires additional funding to address repair needs and prevent potential service disruptions due to slow zones.
Steven Farber, a transportation geographer at the University of Toronto, highlighted the cash problems and repair backlog faced by the TTC, which can exacerbate disruptions. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvements to enhance the network’s operations, such as separating streetcars from mixed traffic with cars.
As the TTC seeks additional funding, Farber suggested appealing to Ottawa’s interest in boosting the Canadian economy. He cited a study showing that every dollar invested in TTC operations or infrastructure yields seven dollars in economic returns, making it a beneficial investment for economic growth.
While Ottawa has committed $1.2 billion to the TTC over the next decade, with a significant portion allocated for new subway trains on Line 2, ongoing financial challenges and maintenance needs underscore the importance of sustained funding for Toronto’s vital transportation system.
